SHOCKED fans and friends last night paid tribute to talented North footballer Michael Maidens who has been killed in a car crash.

Just hours after the Hartlepool United midfielder’s death on Friday night scores of messages of condolence appeared on fans’ forums and on a specially dedicated group on social networking website Facebook.

Hartlepool’s League One clash with Swansea yesterday was postponed as a mark of respect for the 20-year-old.

Town mayor Stuart Drummond — who used to be a mascot for the team — said: “I was on my way to the game with a few friends when we heard what had happened.

“We are all totally shocked and stunned. It is just tragic news and all our thoughts and condolences are with his family.

“I met him last year with all the other players and he seemed very quiet and unassuming

“I think as a footballer he will always be remembered for his goal against Huddersfield which ended up winning Goal of the Season 2005/6.

“He always gave it 100 per cent and worked hard.”

Michael, of Skelton, Teesside, was a front-seat passenger in a Vauxhall Corsa which lost control and smashed into a metal post on Friday evening.

The incident happened when the car left the road near the Greystones roundabout on the A174 near Lazenby, Teesside, as the Corsa and other cars driven by friends travelled in a convoy.

Devastated pals yesterday set up a special group on Facebook, and asked for tributes to a “genuinely nice guy, a good friend and a quality footballer”.

Paul Kenworthy, in the Sunderland University group, wrote: “I am really shocked to hear what happened.

“He was a really great guy, he was always really nice to me when we were at school. He was a truly talented footballer and we will all miss him.”

On fans’ website The Poolie Bunker, more than five pages of heartfelt tributes had been posted yesterday.

One supporter wrote: “Devastated, I just logged in for the game, what awful news. Thoughts with his family and with the lads, who must be feeling shattered. I’ve run out of words.”

One Leeds fan wrote on the forum: “Sincere condolences from this Leeds fan. We have set up our own thread.”

Yesterday, floral tributes, shirts, and scarves had been laid at the club’s Victoria Park ground.

Michael, who made his first team debut against Blackpool in 2005, was loaned to Blyth Spartans at the start of the season.

Spartans manager Harry Dunn said: “Michael was a smashing lad who mixed in very well with everyone here. He was extremely polite — the type of young man any mother and father would be proud to have — and a very, very good footballer to boot.

“Everyone here is desperately, desperately saddened by the news. It just puts into perspective what football truly means to people. We can get carried away with the game at times, but news like this is a horrible reminder that it’s not really that important.”